It’s that time of year again. The monsoons have passed, the temperatures are dropping, cool breezes are blowing through the Valley and soon there will be…PANCAKES!
October 28 marks the fifth annual Mesquite Pancake Breakfast hosted by Trees Matter, a local community-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing the tree canopy in the Valley. The festivities start at 9 a.m. and go until 12 p.m. at The Space Between pocket park in Downtown Phoenix.
Mesquite trees are one of the many desert-adapted trees that thrive in our city — a common native species found almost everywhere. They are perfect for the area, providing shade, creating habitat for lots of animals and use little water.
“We hope that our community begins looking at mesquite trees not only for shade, but also as part of our growing urban food forest,” said Aimee Williamson, executive director of Trees Matter.
Each year, these native trees generate an abundance of bean pods, often seen in backyards, sidewalks and roadways. The beans can be milled into an excellent substitute for wheat flour, and this rich, nutty-flavored mesquite flour fuels this year’s breakfast fundraising event.
With banquet tables or a blanket spread out on the lawn, the whole community can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast together. So come enjoy a plate of mesquite pancakes topped with date maple syrup provided by Arizona State University’s date palms, thanks to the ASU Campus Harvest.
This event truly celebrates community through a shared love of trees and pancakes, while supporting a great local nonprofit doing important work throughout the Valley. To learn more about Trees Matter, visit treesmatter.org.

Mark your calendars:

Mesquite Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Space Between / 517 N. First Street between Valley Youth Theatre and Taylor Place
Suggested donation: $25-$60
Registration is required. Click here to reserve your plate!

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*Ariel Stone is the volunteer coordinator for Trees Matter.